Learning should be authentic. Sometimes, teachers just have to be able laugh at themselves and not take things too seriously. Educators should love their jobs and the students they work with. Always be reflective and consider what you can do better next time. Teaching requires preparation. Teachers should be readers. Never stop learning.

Reading

Before I became a teacher, I read three books that greatly impacted the way I view books in the classroom: The Book Whisperer by Donalyn Miller, Book Love by Penny Kittle, and Readicide by Kelly Gallagher. Later, I also read Donalyn Miller's book Reading the Wild. Each author inspired me and shaped hope I teach reading in the classroom. I want my students to enjoy reading because I know it is habit that produced life long benefits. To enjoy reading, I give them time to read in class, provide a well-stocked classroom library, and allow for as much individual choice in reading as possible.

Grading

Another book I read before I started teaching was Fair Isn't Always Equal by Rick Wormeli. This book helped me to apply what I know about differentiation to grading in my classroom. Essentially, I want my students' grades to reflect what standards they have mastered and where learning still needs to take place. Thus, I see formative assessment as a means of practice for them and a means to guide instruction for me. Grades are not a form of punishment, nor should they be a reflection of student behavior; grades should reflect the objectives I want my students to reach. For more on my grading philosophy, read my blog post on the Top 10 Takeaways of Differentiated Grading.

Additionally, Mindset: The New Psychology of Success by Dr. Carol Dweck has played a significant role in how I teach, how I grade, and how I learn. Having a growth mindset entails accepting challenges as opportunities to learn and failures as an indicator that more study and practice is necessary, NOT that ability is lacking. Understanding this concept reinforces the the need for formative assessment, differentiated grading, and an environment that is accepting of of failure. Students need to know that grades what reflect what they know now, not their potential as a learner.

Technology

I have been very fortunate to have started my career in a district where technology is being made readily available to our students. I student taught in a digital classroom where every student had access to an iPad. I currently have a class set of Macbooks in my classroom that are utilized on a regular basis during my instruction. The benefits of using technology in the classroom include collaboration, availability of resources, the enhancement of curriculum, authentic audiences, learner centered platforms, and differentiated instruction. Wherever possible and appropriate, the use of technology can enhance instruction and learning.

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